Absolutely still as he was leaning against the balcony’s railing, the man continued to listen to the stories swirling all around the hall. He closed his eyes quietly.

For some reason, Violet seemed different. The ferocious, sharp aura emanating from her had eased significantly, and her attitude of sticking to absolute principle had mellowed out to be more flexible.

With no words of exaggeration, it was as if the thorns had disappeared from the flower.

“Goodness. I apologize for the condition of your clothes. This incident would fill you with only sad and painful memories on this good day, wouldn’t it? Do allow me to purchase you a new dress in the name of my household.”

Ah. It’s still there. Still the same.

Actually, it would be right to say that she had not changed. She had learned how to communicate more effectively with people, yet even if her blade was nowhere to be seen right now, it didn’t mean that she had changed completely into a different person.

The very essence of her had not changed.

 

“Climbing higher to a position no one could ever undermine would be enough.”
“Both you and me, understand? We don’t have to accede to those idiots.”
“I will decide my own worth.”

 

She was the one who said these striking words, but in any case, Violet herself wouldn’t remember them.

Aldin had risen to a position that no one could ever undermine, yet he was still at the bottom because his own essence had not changed.

‘No, I could have at least left House Aesir. Things might have gone differently.’

Aldin thought that he had grown into his own position. Much had changed in his life ever since he met Violet.

In truth, Aldin’s self-esteem was not very low.

He had graduated at the top of his class. He entered the first chivalric order at a young age, and he was to become a knight captain soon enough.

Who could say anything against him when he had achieved these things? What would their words matter?

After all, it was through his own grit and ability that he had clinched the position of knight captain. And even if other people would undermine his efforts, the fact that he had achieved such things would not change.

It was only ever in front of Violet that Aldin’s self-esteem and dignity would waver and plummet.

It’s something that he could do nothing about. It’s that kind of feeling.

He would treat Cairn like a pebble on the roadside even as they were from the same station—as the sons of dukes—though Aldin could perhaps sympathize with that guy.

“Entering, His Highness the Crown Prince!”

The crown prince had appeared in the banquet hall.

The air had changed. Though Aldin was outside on a balcony, he could feel it.

Awe. Admiration. Longing for the man who would soon be the ruler of all.

He dominated the chaotic atmosphere of the entire hall with just his very presence. He was suited to be the next emperor.

As Aldin had been looking up at the night sky until now, he suddenly paused. The crown prince. The Everett Duchy’s esteemed daughter. And the Young Duke of Everett, who was a close friend of the crown prince.

He did not mean to eavesdrop.

“Haha, but isn’t this a good day? That is, a good day for me to meet my friend’s younger sister.”

The man who had already done so said this. At the same time, Aldin grasped the crown prince’s intentions.

Without realizing it, his hands had formed into fists.

“If you don’t mind, may I ask you for the honor of having your first dance?”

“…It is my honor.”

Truly, he swears. He did not mean to eavesdrop. It was just that his senses were sharper than the average, and his ears were too good.

Leaning against the railing, Aldin downed the glass of liquor that he brought with him here. Praise for the crown prince and the ducal lady came in droves from all over the banquet hall.

“My word, how could there be such a beautiful pair.”

“Indeed. It’s as if the god of the sun and the goddess of the moon have come to dance.”

“Was that dress originally such a beautiful one? I feel so dazzled that my eyes are going blind.”

“They’re like a match made in heaven.”

Some nobles inadvertently expressed their admiration. Those were their unfiltered words.

Aldin did not bother to look at the two of them. Even if he wasn’t seeing them together, he knew how well they suited each other. So, the pain was for only a moment.

…Only but a moment.

Aldin looked up at the evening expanse with a bitter smile.

The moon had come.

 

* * *

 

“I could definitely remember that you’re a good dancer though, Ducal Lady. Did I misremember since it’s been quite a while?”

“Perhaps so. I’ve been building a wall between me and high society for a while now. It’s been a while since I danced, so it can’t be helped that I’ve forgotten.”

“Hmm, that’s strange. The Ducal Lady that I know isn’t someone who learned for only that reason. Are you doing this on purpose?”

“Not at all. You have a very generous evaluation of me, Your Highness.”

“Haha, consider it a compliment. Countless efforts are hidden behind the appearance of perfection.”

“As I thought, Your Highness overestimates me.”

“I might also be talking about myself. What do you think? If I speak like this, do I seem different from what everyone says?”

“All I know is that you are skillful in leading a dance even when your partner is this clumsy.”

These two were on the receiving end of everyone’s admiring gazes, yet the conversation they were having was far from graceful.

Since they were close to each other and far from anyone else, they were definitely not holding back with their words.

With each movement, the translucent layers of her dress would spread out like fluttering petals. People were quite awestruck by the sight.

However, there was only one thing in Violet’s mind.

As expected, a mermaid dress is uncomfortable to move in.

“I do wish you would stop aiming at my feet though.”

“Oh my, how dare I harm the precious body of Your Highness the Imperial Crown Prince.”

“……”

The orchestra continued playing a cheerful melody.

The crown prince smiled brightly. It was such a brilliant smile that anyone who’d see it might just get blinded.

Unenthused, Violet twirled in place. It was a gesture as graceful as a swan’s movements.

“More than that, may I ask you one question? Why did you choose me as your first dance partner, Your Highness?”

“You’re quite a bit more frank with me since this conversation won’t be heard by others, hm? Well, that’s fine. I much prefer this sense of distance.”

“Please answer the question.”

“Ahh, really. You don’t have to be so stiff around me. And anyway, the answer is simple. Isn’t it natural to dedicate one’s first dance to the most beautiful person in the room?”

“……”

Violet’s expression hardened. Though she was still smiling, Rajaden was not so much of a fool that he wouldn’t recognize the thoughts being hidden behind that smile.